INDIANAPOLIS – Christian Barmore’s season was cut short in mid-December after the Patriots star experienced recurring symptoms associated with the blood clots he was diagnosed with during training camp.
Barmore had returned after missing a large chunk of the year getting the problem under control, but the Patriots ultimately placed him on the reserve non-football illness list when symptoms returned.
Mike Vrabel, speaking with MassLive Tuesday, provided an update on the lineman saying he had recently been in contact with him. However, the Patriots coach didn’t have any specific news about a return.
“I would say that I’ve enjoyed my conversations with him, and I would say that it’s too soon to tell,” Vrabel said with respect to Barmore’s status, choosing his words carefully.
The Patriots coach, however, indicated there was upcoming testing scheduled for Barmore in his attempt at another comeback. Vrabel sounded hopeful.
“There will be a check up for where he’s at medically as we move closer to April,” Vrabel said. “But he seems to have the energy and the attitude that would be exciting to work with.”
Prior to the start of last season, Barmore signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension. The deal included $31.8 million in guarantees, which ranked second in franchise history behind the 10-year, $100 million deal Drew Bledsoe signed in 2000 in terms of total base value.
At the time, Barmore was coming off a career year and it made sense to lock up one of the NFL’s most promising interior defenders. In 2023, he led the Patriots in sacks (8.5) and quarterback hits (16). Last year, the defense finished last in the NFL in sacks (28) with him largely sidelined.
In the coming months with free agency and the draft, Vrabel would like to bolster the defensive line around Barmore, assuming he’s able to return. Should the lineman’s health problems continue, it would be more a matter of adding depth.
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